Moving to a new home in another state is an exciting yet stressful life change. Between packing, job transitions, finding a new place to live, switching schools, and getting to know a different area, it’s a major event. The last thing you need is to worry about your belongings safely arriving across state lines. Choosing reputable, reliable and the best long distance movers is key to reducing stress and ensuring a smooth interstate relocation. Follow these tips to find the best movers for your long haul move:
Get Personal Recommendations
Start your search by asking trusted friends, family members, neighbors, coworkers, and real estate agents if they were pleased with long distance movers they previously used. Check with your company’s HR department—some have partnerships with moving companies and provide relocation assistance. Make note of any names that come consistently recommended as a good sign.
Do Your Own Thorough Research
Don’t rely solely on word-of-mouth suggestions. Take ample time to thoroughly research potential movers yourself as well. Compare several companies credentials, services, years in business, customer reviews, and binding quotes. Read detailed testimonials describing specific experiences. Check ratings and complaints on sites like Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Google, and Angi.
Verify Registrations and Licensing
Only consider using long distance movers that are properly registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This validates they are a legitimate, compliant business. Confirm the company and their drivers have valid operating authority in your origin state and destination state. Ask for their USDOT number and get it verified through the FMCSA website.
Understand Exact Pricing Factors
Long-distance moves are typically priced based on total weight and distance traveled. Make sure you understand precisely how your quote is calculated. Inquire about any additional costs like taxes, tolls, packing materials, stairs, elevators, storage fees, and insurance. Get an in-home estimate to account for your specific possessions.
Watch Closely for Red Flags
Be cautious of movers that seem shifty, dishonest, or evasive. Avoid companies that only provide a P.O. Box address with no physical office. Be cautious of the movers who demand large upfront deposits before providing services. Exceptionally low bids likely mean terrible service. Last minute price hikes are also a major red flag.
Read Reviews Thoroughly
Don’t just look at star ratings—read through customer reviews closely. Watch for any mention of damaged items, delayed pick-up/delivery, hidden fees, unprofessional staff, or other issues. Check how the company responded to negative feedback and resolved problems. The more detailed reviews the better sense you’ll get of service quality.
Verify Liability Coverage
Only use long distance movers that offer full valuation coverage, also called full value protection. This guarantees reimbursement if items become lost or damaged. Ask detailed questions about deductibles, claim limits, and the claims filing process. Getting third-party insurance will provide you peace of mind.
Communicate Expectations Clearly
Be extremely detailed when explaining your move parameters—size of your home, complete inventory audit, necessary packing materials, parking availability, elevator dimensions, preferred date range for pick-up/delivery, etc. Get all quotes, commitments, and guarantees in writing. Leave absolutely no room for assumptions.
Conduct Interview Consultations
Set up interview calls with representatives from your top mover candidates. This gives you a feel for their professionalism, organization, timeliness, and attention to detail. Ask follow-up questions from your earlier research to further gauge their responses.
Trust Your Instincts
Even after exhaustive research, your gut instinct still matters. If a company seems questionable or makes you uneasy, keep looking. Don’t ignore red flags or rationalize them away. Finding movers you genuinely trust will provide huge peace of mind.
Moving to a new home disrupts life enough without adding worries about your possessions. Taking ample time to thoroughly get potential long distance movers will pay dividends through reduced stress and insured security. With diligence and care, you can find movers that ease your transition rather than compound it.
Conclusion
Relocating out of state is a major life transition – add worries about securely transporting all your household goods and the stress compounds. Allow yourself plenty of time for extensive research before choosing local movers with a truck. Check credentials, read reviews, understand pricing, ask questions, and go with your gut. Finding movers you trust will provide confidence that your belongings will safely arrive so you can focus on the adventure ahead in your new home. With a diligent mover selection process, your interstate move will be smooth sailing.
